Health And Fitness: Eating Tumbleweeds

Friday, 22 June 2012

Eating Tumbleweeds

Not quite, but now that I've gotten your attention, let me introduce you to the latest “superfood”—Quinoa—which is closely related to tumbleweeds, and hence, the title of this post.

I wish I could say I had discovered quinoa on my own and have been eating it for years, but the truth is that an old high school friend, Lisa, recently clued me into this well kept secret, and once I began investigating it, I was astounded by its properties.

Quinoa originated in the Andean region of Peruwhere the Incas considered it a sacred grain, calling it the “Mother Grain.” It is a popular substitute for rice, couscous, and pasta, but it is much higher in nutrients than any of those foods. Not only is it high in protein, fiber, and unsaturated (good) fats, it is also full of essential vitamins, such as riboflavin, folate, thiamin, and vitamin E, and minerals, such as calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, copper, and phosphorus. Furthermore, it is a complete protein, meaning that it includes all nine essential amino acids, making it a great choice for those on a vegan diet or others who might be concerned about adequate protein intake. It is a low glycemic food so it slowly releases carbohydrates, making it easier to maintain proper blood sugar levels, and it is also a wheat or gluten-free food, making it an excellent choice for people with those intolerances.

Quinoa is a grain-like crop with small, round edible seeds, which swell to about four times their original size when cooked. It has a nutty flavor and a soft but somewhat crunchy texture. It is prepared in a manner similar to rice, either steamed or brought to a boil in a 1:2 ratio with water and then simmered on low for between 30 and 35 minutes. It can be eaten like some common rice dishes, such as mixed with pinto beans or your other favorite foods, or it can be eaten similar to pasta with a light marinara sauce or pesto (Click here for Recipes).

NUTRITION INFORMATION

For 1/2 Cup, Cooked Quinoa

185g total

132.5g water

111 calories

4g protein

1.8g fat

20g carbohydrate,

2.6g fiber

0g cholesterol

See more at: USDA Nutritional Database

You can find quinoa at your local Whole Foods or other health-foods stores and it's easy to purchase over the Internet. It can be rather pricey, but it's well worth it!